Partnership to boost offshore wind research and workforce development
The University of Melbourne and Kunsan National University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in offshore wind research, innovation and workforce development.
The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday 7 July at Melbourne Connect and was attended by the Consul-General of the Republic of Korea, Jin Kwan Oh. Professor Daeyong Lee from Kunsan National University (KSNU) and FEIT Dean Professor Thas Nirmathalas signed the MoU. They were joined by other representatives for the signing and an information session, sharing research and knowledge related to offshore wind.
From left (back row): Associate Professor Shiaohuey Chow (Director, ACOWE), Mr Dongmyo Kim (Director General, KOTRA), Mr Jin Kwan Oh (Consul-General of the Republic of Korea in Melbourne), Mr Bumshik Kim (Executive Director, New & Renewable Energy Center) and Associate Professor Felix Kin Peng Hui (FEIT Associate Dean, International). Front row: Professor Thas Nirmathalas (FEIT Dean) and Professor Daeylong Lee (Director, EIRC, KSNU).
Other guests included representatives from Samil C&S, Hyundai Engineering and Steel Industries, KOTRA and the Korea Energy Agency.
Associate Professor Shiaohuey Chow, Director of the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy, emphasised the need for international collaboration in offshore wind research.
“We are delighted to formalise this partnership with KSNU,” she said.
“The strategic partnership with KSNU’s Energy Innovation Research Center (EIRC) will advance offshore wind research, innovation and workforce development in Australia and Korea, two emerging offshore wind markets in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Professor Nirmathalas and Professor Lee signing the MoU.
Similarly, Professor Nirmathalas welcomed this partnership, highlighting its role in supporting the development and future of the Australian offshore wind sector and the alignment of the missions of both organisations.
“As the offshore wind industry continues to develop and expand, establishing a strong workforce pipeline is essential to ensure the training and development of the next generation of skilled professionals,” Associate Professor Chow said.
“Beyond advancing research and innovation, both the University of Melbourne and Kunsan National University are committed to building a sustainable talent pipeline that will support the long-term growth and success of this emerging industry.”